Dozens of prominent South West individuals are set to be immortalised on canvas with the Warrnibald Art Prize returning this year.

A partnership between Western District Employment Access (WDEA) and the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) The Warrnibald has a similar format to the famous Archibald Prize, with a local focus.

Money raised from the exhibition will go to WDEA’s ArtLink initiative which provides opportunities to participate in art for people with disabilities or experiencing disadvantage.

Artists currently residing in Warrnambool, Moyne or Corangamite are invited to enter a portrait of a subject who has made a significant contribution to local culture, charity, business, sport or politics in our region or has represented our region in these areas nationally or internationally.

WAG Curator of Exhibitions and Outreach Gareth Colliton said that as well as raising much-needed funds for ArtLink, the Warrnibald also aims to celebrate local personalities, achievements, and artists.

“The Warrnibald is an important platform for the arts and portrait exhibitions remain the most popular visual arts form in Australia,” he said.

“Audiences love to see individuals through the filter of an artist's eye. Through the Warrnibald, we learn about each other, and in turn, about ourselves.

“We are hoping to see diversity in terms of subject, concept, media and technique.

“Most of all, we're hoping to see lots of people getting together and celebrating each other's achievements.”

The Warrnibald was held in 2012 and 2013 with a break in 2014 following the closure of the ArtLink Gallery in Koroit St.

Mr Colliton said that the WAG was delighted to include the Warrnibald in its post-Fun4Kids Festival exhibition program.

“We are pleased to be able to step in and offer a space in order to keep such an important show alive,” Mr Colliton said.

“With exhibitions by Kathryn Ryan and Terry McKenna already booked in, we are looking forward to re-opening with a bang following our June hiatus.”

The exhibition will open on Saturday July 18 and run until Sunday August 16.

Download the entry form with terms and conditions above or enquire at the front desk at either the WAG or WDEA to obtain a hard copy.